COVID-19 Positive Cases Identified in HFCSD

Dear Tiger Community,

The district learned today that two members of our school community have tested positive for COVID-19.  Our first priority is the safety of all of our students, faculty, and staff. We are implementing a pause on in-person instruction starting today, and for the next two days (Nov 11 – Nov 13).

We understand that our K-5 students do not have their Chromebooks at home. We will communicate with parents shortly about plans to provide work for our youngest learners. Please check your child’s building website for work, which will be posted by noon tomorrow.

If any student would like meals, please come to the Franklin Street side of the High School. Meals will be served from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

We are currently working closely with Washington County Public Health to identify these individuals’ contacts. Washington County Public Health will reach out to all contacts and advise on the need to quarantine and to arrange to test those exposed.

Please note that New York State and Federal privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.

When the Department of Health cleaning protocols and Department of Health COVID safety protocols have been completed the District will notify you of the date for return to in-person, hybrid learning. As part of a safe return to in-person learning, any individuals who have been directed to self-quarantine will remain at home with students temporarily switching to online learning until their quarantine has ended and they are cleared to return to campus for in-person instruction.

Student, faculty, staff, and community safety is our highest priority.  As we have stressed all year long, following a confirmed positive case, all schools will shift to remote learning for at least three days for deep cleaning and determining the next steps. We will continue to work closely with Washington County Public Health and follow their guidance on how to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.  Please contact me if you would like more information about our health and safety procedures.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jon Hunter, Interim Superintendent